Final Notes & Thoughts From Tennessee's Season Finale
In the Sweet Sixteen on Thursday night, FAU came out on top of the Tennessee Volunteers, defeating them 62-55. The Vols finish the season with an overall record of 25-11.
Tennessee actually led the game by 5 (27-22) at halftime, and although it was close, they looked dominant and very physical. However, the Owls would outscore the Volunteers 40-28 in the second half.
A lot of Tennessee's loss came down to shooting. The Vols shot just 33.3% from the field, while the Owls shot 42%. They also shot just 26.1% from three-point range. The Volunteers were also out-rebounded by FAU. In particular, they were dominated on the defensive glass, getting out-boarded 28-19. They were out-rebounded 40-36 in the team totals.
Jonas Aidoo, Tennessee F
The Vols also have been solid at getting to the free-throw line all season. They average close to 20 attempts per game all year. However, on Thursday night, they could only get 12 attempts at the line.
They also committed 18 team fouls, which really set up Florida Atlantic with lots of opportunities to convert at the line. The Owls got in the bonus and even the double bonus early in the second half. Head coach Rick Barnes summed up the game in his postgame interview.
"When they started hitting shots, our offense was not very good. We gave up too many drives and offensive rebounds. Eventually, they got separation and were relaxed. They are a really good shooting team."
FAU will face Kansas State in the Elite 8 this afternoon with a chance to go to the final four. It is the Owls' first time this far into the tournament. The Vols' season ends, and they can say that they earned the team's 9th trip to the Sweet Sixteen.
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